fallish

This week has been one that could go down as fairly productive. I managed to get some stuff done around the house but mostly played, although we havent been able to go outside because its been raining and wet. So that means we havent gotten out much, and I'm not the type that likes to be cooped up much. Kaihtlyn had her first stomach bug of the season earlier in the week. That brings me to one of the many reasons I am NOT looking forward to winter. I tried already to convince my husband to move to warmer climates but thats didnt go over completely.
Since I blogged last it has been a whole month-woohoo, and most of this last month has been very enjoyable we went on a small little extended weekend getaway to Branson, MO. It was lots of fun; we went to silver dollar city and my hubs suprised me with a boat cruise on the branson belle showboat, it was really neat. We also went to branson landing and did some shopping and had some good eats. Speaking of good eats we went to a place called fudruckers while we were there and it was sooo good if you just like a good hamburger. There is one in lawrence or KC but it was soo good! Then we went to ripleys believe it or not and to be honest it was not all that great! The building is cool and that is about it. We also got to spend time with some of my husbands extended family and that was awesome. Kaihtlyn took right up to Noah's aunt, I think she would have followed her anywhere. Other than that we stayed in a rockin' condo- it was super- I looooved it! and we just spent some quality time together as a family. It was just a great little getaway; something I needed :) and Thanks to my wonderful husband he provided it all! Our trip was in mid-sept. and at the first of october I was supposed to go to the MOPS national convention but got really sick with tonsillitus and was unable to attend, that was a real bummer for me, but we got through it; God is good!
Well right now I am in the holiday mode, ready for all of the fun holidays to get here; I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and that time of the year! When fall rolls around I always look forward to all of the holidays they just seem to come and go so quickly, now so even more with a little one.
We've made it to the pumpkin patch a couple of times this year already and enjoyed our time. Looking forward to going once more before the 31st and getting a pumpkin this time. Kaihtlyn enjoys going and being outdoors and looking at all of the colorful things of fall! This month I have started doing a purposeful teaching time with Kaihtlyn each day and it is amazing how quickly she is picking up on the things of fall, like pumpkins, leaves, colors, etc. We even made a little craft one day; we turned a brown paper bag into a pumpkin and now we have it sitting in the house and everytime she sees it she says, "popcon"-pumpkin :) its just too cute! Well with that thought I need to start getting ready for this evening, I'm going to our MOPS hoe down! So I better leave with a few pictures and get busy!


ball stadium at silver dollar city



family at Silver Dollar City



Kaihtlyn at the Pumpkin patch




Kaihtlyn corn

fam on a hayrack ride

In rememberance

Take a moment today to pray for all the men and women overseas fighting to protect our country! A huge THANK YOU to our troops for our continued freedom! May God protect and guide our men and women over there and may He put His hand of protection over our country.

Happy Birthday my baby!

Here are pictures of Kaihtlyn's birthday celebrations in no specific order. We had a great time celebrating the big #2! I can't believe my baby is a toddler and is 2 already! ahh...where does time go? Anyhow it was a great time had by all and we are very blessed to have the support and love from our family and friends that we do. I think Kaihtlyn throughly enjoyed it all especially eating the cake and opening gifts, she got all kinds of fun stuff due to everyones generosity. We had her party the friday before her birthday at a local park and then on her birthday we invited over some family (her baby cousin that she absolutely adores!)

After our dinner at home on her birthday.

A not so happy birthday princess waiting on her cake!

Oh much better! Lovin' the chocolate.

Reading her ABC coloring book!

My masterpiece I spent a couple of days working on!


What a cutie!


Blowing out candles...not quite sure what to do yet....


Little People-one of her favorite toys! mine too! they are just adorable and most of them dont make too much noise, at least if they make noise they are cute not annoying and loud! :) Parent approved toys!!

The two loves of my life!

Walking now

So no one ever told me that when a baby began to walk they needed a helmet and full body armor in order to not be covered in bumps and bruises (that may be a little extreme). Kaihtlyn has finally taken those steps literally. She is walking more now than scooting and as nice as it is to have her walking I find myself gasping for air quiet often as she is taking her steps. I think she may be top heavy as it seems she is bonking her head quiet a bit! Its all apart of the growing process, I'm sure but I can say with complete confidence that I am ready for her to be a little more steady on her feet! One step at a time, eh? Yeah I know! We have been really busy lately and I havent had much time to get on here an update but it has all been good. We recently decided that we are going to take a small family vacation in the fall and I am looking forward to that very much, getting to spend a little more time with my husband and enjoying the wonderful creations God has given us here on earth. With fall will come a new year of MOPS and I am gearing up for a small group training which I will lead this sunday, that has taken up much of my time this week, just preparing for this big event! I look forward to what God has in store for us as a group of women coming together to worship Him this year! Fall also brings about Kaihtlyns birthday which we will celebrate at the first part of september. Her Birthday will be celebrated at a near by park with a caterpiller and butterfly theme. I also have been busy creating invites to that and preparing all that I plan to have for her big 2 birthday bash! Well since I have a to do list still waiting on me I better get busy but I wanted to take a second and just write down a few thoughts I'm sure it will mostly be for my own benefit to look back and see when and what happened this time of year in years to come. Hope this finds all of you blessed and doing well I will post pictures and more later...Blessings!

blessed

I feel like I could go a millon different directions with this blog entry and right now I am feeling like I need to be Thankful for all the blessings in my life. This last month has been so busy, going here and there and it has been such a blessing to be out in the beautiful weather and to spend time with friends and family. This summer I have been doing a book/bible study on the book Brave Hearts and it is bascially all about relationships and has been so good for me! It is about Loving with abandonment and loving others no matter the circumstances. I appreciated the study and the group of woman that I consider jewels and rare finds that I meet and developed relationships with. I will write more about the book and these ladies at a later time when I have a little more time to think and go more in depth with my thoughts. Otherwise we are getting ready to kick off the MOPS year and we are so excited about it and the adventures in motherhood that we will learn and grow from in this next year. We have been going to a friends house weekly to go swimming and Kaihtlyn just loves it, she gets in her ducky raft and floats about in the "waawaa". I also just recently got to see a good friend of mine from High School and college this week and she is expecting and it was so good to see her and her beautiful family...Her and her husband are wonderful examples of being loving and caring parents, they have 3 foster children ages 4,3,and1; an older daugther and they are expecting a little one in January. I am so excited for them, as I know this is a true blessing to their family, but I wanted to say that I have never seen such well behaved and considerate foster children before, great job Josh and Andrea! Other than just spending time with others and trying to keep my house a home for my family I have stayed quite busy. Here is what I strive for in making my home here on earth: Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Dear Jesus, May my actions reflect your love daily, may my husband and daughter see your love through me and may my love be extended to all those who are around me. May my daughter see a light in me that shines for you oh Jesus; may I be a parent that knows balance and lead my child to knowing and trusting in you Lord. Amen.

a little 4th of july fun!

Kaihtlyn is having fun chessing it up for the camera and enjoyed watching fireworks with aunt Yaya! It was a busy day spent with family and friends. On the 3rd we went to a friends home to watch their neighbors big firework production and a great time was had by all, they had over 50 people at their home for this party and night works show, it was great and something we look forward to each 4th. On the 4th we relaxed at home most of the morning then in the early afternoon we headed for Nana and Papa Den's for Grandpa's birthday party, we shared a good time celebrating with family and had lots of yummy food. It was Grandpa's 82nd Birthday and we wish him many more blessed years to come. Then it was off to Mimi and Gramps where we spent more time with family and friends enjoying a nice little fireworks display put on by the kids. This is when Kaihtlyn got to enjoy her time with Yaya. Hope this finds all of you well and having a great time enjoying the wonderful summer weather!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to all! I will not have the opportunity to post tomorrow as it will be a busy day, its my grandfathers birthday and a wonderful day to celebrate the freedom that we have in our country! I celebrated another year of being alive, yesterday! Throughout the day I was reminded of all the ways the Lord has blessed me. I have a wonderful husband, beautiful daughter, a caring family and wonderful group of friends. I could not ask for more. Thanks to all of you who made my day special! Wishing all a happy and safe 4th!

Second tag

The second tag is to write about your typical day or routine.

8-9:30am Kaihtlyn and I crawl out of bed.
we eat breakfast and get around for the day.
Usually by 10 am we are now ready to get out of the house or play, now that the weather is nice out we usually head outdoors or spend time with friends and family, somedays this is also my time to get chores, errands or stuff around the house done.
12:30-1:30 Lunchtime
1:30-2pm prepare for naptime
Then Kaihtlyn naps for 2 hours so she is usually awake by about 3:30-4, during this time I usually work around the house and get my housework caught up.
When she wakes up, I then get a snack for her and we play until daddy gets home.
After Daddy arrives home I generally start dinner, then we eat dinner around 5:30 or 6.
After dinner I clean up, while Kate and Daddy play and then I join them when my work is complete.
8pm we start Kaihtlyn's bedtime routine and getting her ready for bed. She is usually asleep no later than 9:30, depending on the evening. I like her in bed as close to 8 as possible.
After Kaihtlyn is in bed my husband and I have time together or we are able to have time to ourselves. I generally go to bed about 11 or 11:30.

Obviously if you know us well enough you know that our schedule is not set into stone and we are pretty flexible. The only thing I cant mess with a whole lot is naptime :) Kaihtlyn is always ready for a good nap! So there you have a broad view of my typical schedule.

first tag

I was recently tagged by a friend to write out my menu here on my blog. Well since last week we practically ate out every night due to garage sale stuff and other happenings, I will start this week but most of what I was going to fix last week has been moved to this week. I guess that will give me more money to spend on lunches and anything that I want to stock up on this week! My goal now is to spend no less more than $40 per week on groceries and it has been working out great! Here it goes:

Breakfast is usually peanut butter toast, cold cereal, banana, or yogurt.

Lunch usually consists of coldcut sandwiches, PB & Jelly, Mac and chesse, leftovers, and chips or crackers and some type of fruit that I have on hand, that may include fresh or canned.

Dinner is my main focus of planning, it is as follows:
Tacos and Mexican Rice
Cream of Chicken and Rice
Cheeseburger Pie
Eggs and Sausage
Breakfast Casserole
Chicken Enchiladas (I will make a double batch and take this to a friend who just had a baby)
We usually eat out one night, usually weekends so I only plan for six meals.

This week is a little heavy on the mexican and breakfast side since it is mainly what I have on hand. I also have a few freezer meals from a few months back when my sister-in-law and I made them and so one of those may be used as a substitution at any point throughout the week! We are definately blessed with much and need little!

LOVE

Just wanted to give a shout out to all those daddy's out there both young and old, to the daddys that have been dads for years and to those who are just now expecting: Happy Father's Day! I know that I am a little bias but I think my daughter has the best daddy is the world. I Thank the Lord daily for what a blessing he gave me when he gave me my husband. All I can really say is that the Lord really knew what I needed in a husband and he provided that for me, I could not be more thankful! Tonight as my husband left the house I gave him the typical kiss and I love you goodbye and after he was gone I began to think to myself: when I give him those typical goodbyes am I really getting my point across that I really LOVE him? So I gave him a call and just made sure that he understood that I really LOVE him. This then reminded me of my relationship to my heavenly Father, do I just give Him the typical I Love yous or are they heartfelt and do they really mean something just like with my husband? Does my God understand just how much I LOVE Him? Do I make it known to Him how much I Love him? Ah...Father's Day is a great reminder that all Glory and celebrations should be with our heavenly Father and with His grace and love he gives us shall I share that with my husband, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, family and friends.
Just wanted to make a little side note here and say a special happy fathers day to a special friend of mine's husband as they just found out this last week that they are expecting... Congrats to Josh and Andrea and Happy Father's day Josh (since I hear you are reading my ramblings every now and then, I hope you get this message.) :)

Thankful

Just wanted to make a quick post here, in the mood to write I guess and I dont have much time but wanted to get my thoughts out! Have I ever mentioned that I have absolutely got the best husband in the world? Well I do. This weekend we went on a little mini vacation, just the two of us. My aunt watched my daughter while we were gone, we are so blessed to have her in our lives, she is not only like a mother to me but she means the world to my daughter as well. Kaihtlyn's little eyes just light us when she sees her Nana, we are ever so thankful for her. Our little mini vacation was a postponed celebration for our third anniversary, just because the last few months have been so busy this was our first opportunity to get away for a while and it was great! We went shopping and just enjoyed spending time together as a couple again, we dont often do that and it is such a blessing to me when I can. I am just reminded daily how much I truly love the man I married! God has blessed me indeed!
I also wanted to mention that I think Kaihtlyn is finally starting to enjoy taking baths, up until the last month or so everytime I would put her in the water the crying would begin... it would eventually stop after she was over the shock of being placed in water, but tonight she began splashing as soon as I sat her down. I am so happy to see this transition! Yeah for fun bathtimes!

good deal

After my post earlier I went to Target and low and behold I found a great deal on pampers wipes. They were on sale for $1.99 each and I had a coupon for $2/2 therefore making the wipes a dollar a box. To me for pampers sensitive wipes that is a great buy, I ended up buying 6 boxes :) . I also got two travel size bottles of ALL for free-can't complain when its free!

Here is a little pic of my good bargains minus one box of wipes that were desperately needed. Have a great day!

Okay so I thought it was about time for me to do a little update. I really have been a slacker lately and not blogging much. Well our last day of MOPS was on the 15th of May and it was a nice relaxing day, we did a spa treatment and had lunch, it was lots of fun! One of my brother in laws graduated from high school on the 17th...Congrats Jonny! And a sister in law graduated this last thursday from LPN school...Congrats to Esther too! We also had our last expresso meeting this month, that will start back up in August again, but it was very nice the ladies in the church hosted a dinner for us who served on the ministry team. Tracy and her daughter Bree Spoke this month and it was a very moving and emotional month for expresso once again :) God is so good to those who know him and trust in him. We have also been spending lots of time outdoors and enjoying the beautiful weather. Looking forward to going to the zoo this week! Trying to keep up with my scrapbooking. But I have a confession...I have a new "hobby" that I almost enjoy as much as I do scrapbooking and that is couponing...I'm so very new at it and so far I have gotten some great deals and look forward each week for the new ads to come out, just to see what kind of deals I can get...Theres just something about it, I get a thrill out of getting a good deal. I have to say its in my genetic makeup to save money, it was really drilled into me growing up to save my money for a rainy day and so maybe thats why I enjoy this so much. Last week I went to dillons and spent $32.03 and saved $31.00...Couldnt have done that before thats for sure! This week I wasnt so thrifty, but still came home with lots of good deals that I couldnt pass up-it was a stockopportunity on meat and soda this week! Needless to say the month of May has been very busy and has kept us going, which I absolutely love! My honey went camping tonight, I miss having him home but always glad when he gets to spend time with his friends! I just feel so blessed to have the husband that I do and I can't help but adore him! Well just going to leave with this cute little quote I read a while back when I was so eagerly awaiting spring "No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow." And am I ever so glad it is finally here! Hope you have a Happy Memorial Day and remember to Thank those who have served our country!

spring time

Here are a couple of recent pictures I took of my little bit, just way too cute! Looking forward to a weekend of beautiful weather to get out and enjoy! Hope you are doing the same!

The beautiful attitude

Here is a small little bible study that I get through email and found it quite interesting today and thought I would share. It's amazing what we can do when we have Christ and a positive attitude.

THE BEAUTIFUL ATTITUDES
To Read: Romans 13:7-14
We continue considering on the fact that the Beatitudes are the finest prescription for mental and spiritual health that has ever been given. It is helpful to keep in mind at this stage in our meditations that the Beatitudes are be-attitudes, not do-attitudes; the doing comes out of the being. Some ministers and commentators refer to them as "the beautiful attitudes" – a description I find greatly appealing.
Our attitudes have a tremendous and powerful influence upon every part of our being – physical as well as emotional. A missionary from the Philippines tells how, during the war, he and his wife were ordered into prison camps by the Japanese, and were instructed that they could take with them all they could carry in their suitcases and no more. His wife, weighting just over 100 pounds, and not at all strong, carried a load of 200 pounds, mostly tinned food, a distance of five miles – a load neither of them could even lift after they arrived. Mannheim, a famous scientist, says that we normally use about one-eighth of our physical reserves, and that these reserves are only called upon when we employ the right attitudes.
If our attitudes can help tap hidden physical reserves, then think of what our experience can be if we adopt the "beautiful attitudes" which our Lord expounds for us in His Sermon on the Mount. We can maximize our potential and multiply our effectiveness, not only in the physical area of our being, but in our mental and emotional areas also. Many doctors and scientists agree that it is not our arteries but our attitudes, which have the biggest say in our personal well being.

an update-a-roo!!

Well its been a while since I last posted and much is happening in our lives and around us. One of my bestest pals got married since I posted last and her and her husband honeymooned in Playa del Carmen, can't wait to see the pictures! The wedding was much fun and Crystal you were such a beautiful bride! Congrats to you and Brent!

Other than that we have just been keeping busy, but not really sure what has kept us that way! We have been enjoying the warmer weather this week, and my daughter has managed to catch that nasty stomach flu bug again (at least I think thats what it is)! Its been rather sparatic this time around.

I recently have been doing some couponing and what an exciting and challenging adventure that is! Thanks to the girls that have helped answer questions and get me started along in this journey!

Right now I'm just looking forward to summer and all that it brings. Can't wait for softball to start, and just enjoying the great outdoors! Oh and I have been doing some scrapbooking lately, I just love the new spring lines that have came out, just make me what to scrap more! At MOPS we had the option to have secret sisters and just yesterday I recieved a gift from my secret sister and it was filled with all kinds of yummy paper, that I can't wait to use. :) Here is my new paper! Thank you Secret sis!

Congrats are in order to the National Champions the Kansas Jayhawks! and yes i said National Champions!! Wow what a year to be a jayhawk fan a great football season and an awesome basketball season!! Those last two games were quite the nail biters and I think I wore out a path between my living room and kitchen just paseing. Rock Chalk!

Here is a picture of my fun new t-shirt my husband bought for me:

Some other exciting news in our household is that my daughter has finally started pulling herself up and is enjoying standing more, praise the Lord!

Last but most importantly: God is so good to us! I was reading in Nehemiah today and just realized what an awesome prayer he prayed and how applicable it is today. I just reminded me how important it really is to be praying and pleading before God for my country.

Nehemiah 1:4-11

"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before God of heaven, Then I said: " O Lord, God of heaven , the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love hin and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Iseraelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying 'if you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' "They are your servant and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servant who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."

Bargains

My labors were fruitful today. I was willing to get out an bear the cool weather to find a few bargains on some specific toys I have been looking for and it was well worth it! I got a toddler outdoor swing and a toddler musical table all for less than $11 today! Woohoo! For both items new it would have been well over $50. I will post pictures below of my bargains! Hope this finds all doing well and keeping warm on this cold april day!
The fisher price musical table top:


Little Tikes outdoor toddler swing:

ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK! GO KU!

quick update

Well since I wrote last we have two new additions to my husbands side of the family Elliette Catherine and Alexis Lynn were both born in the last two weeks. Congrats go out to their families! What a blessing a new little baby is! I'm not sure Kaihtlyn knows what to think of these tiny little babies, she is so good with little babies and is always very gentle! She will make an awesome big sister someday :) My Best friends bachelorette party was this past weekend and it went really well, we did enough just to make her blush a bit but a good time was had by all! Well I better get going I have many things to accomplish before the day is over! Happy St. Patty's day to ye and yours!
photos from the bachelorette party:

"the bachelorette"

Kaihtlyn & Aunt Crystal


Forever friends

Dinner at the eldridge "Ten"

yeah remember what you did to me?


"mmmm...yummy..delish"

curls

Here are a couple of pictures I took after fixing my daughters hair the other day I was a little disappointed that you couldnt see the curls better. These pictures reminded me so much of my baby pictures! Hope you have a fabulous day!

Too funny

The last couple of days I have been fighting a bit of a head cold and so we havent got out of the house. In the mornings as a part of our routine my daughter usually spends time playing in her playpen alone. This morning I thought it a little strange that she was being so quite and when I check on her, sure enough she was into TROUBLE, somehow she had split open one of the pages in her bath books or it had already been split and she just helped it the rest of the way and out came the foam and she tore it into about a hundred little pieces, I couldnt help but laugh as I knew she had no idea that she had done anything wrong! I had to take a couple of picture of this and will post them below. She had foam in her hair, on her face, and stuck all over her PJ's.

Here is another photo I couldn't help but just love after I took it! My daughter wanting to be just like mommy! The dress up days are just around the corner, I can't wait!

A time to be silent and a time to speak

Its been a while since I posted my thoughts on the verses, but I have been pondering and meditating on this part of the verse for a while now and I know there is a lot I could say about it but not sure which direction I shall go with it. I know this is one area in which God has taught me quite a few lessons in life. Especially in dealing with others. More often than not I am the type of person who is going to speak my mind and tell you where I stand on something. Be it a good thing or not I think through this God is teaching me to be more sensitive to those around me. Maybe its time for me to be silent now and I will post a passage from the book of James. Who better to say something than the word of our Lord!

In James 3:1-12 God talks about taming the tongue: "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, ableto keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. "

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Oh the boys did it this time around. The Jayhawks beat our tried and true rivals the wildcats on Saturday evening! Saturday ended up being a great day for me, my husband returned home after a 4 day trip to Colorado. Which btw was the longest we have ever been apart since we have been married or even since before our engagement. It was rather difficult to be away from him for that long, but I'm glad the Lord brought him back home safely to me! On saturday it was also very nice outside the high hit 72 which felt amazing! ah but we are back to the cold today with a high of 30--woowho! I'm so ready for spring! How many times have I said that in the last month...too many to count! :) Other than that we are just trying to fight off small little head colds, which are no fun! again, ready for spring :)

alas

Here they are!! I have finally had a chance to post the pictures of the flowers from the wedding that I did this past weekend! Hope you enjoy! I forgot to get pictures of all the extra arrangements that I did and the corsages, but this will give you a general idea of what it looked like!

Bride's Bouquet

Vase arrangement

Bouts

God provides

The wedding was yesterday and it all came together and it was absolutely beautiful! Jenna looked gorgeous and the flowers looked beautiful if I may say so myself. These flowers by the way were what I called calla lilies on steriods. They had to be the prettiest and biggest callies I had ever seen and they were formed just right. Anyhow just right was the term that comes to mind. Let me tell you at first I wasnt sure it was going to be just right, I think I was having a melt down, what a crazy day it was when I picked them up and started the preparation. Praise God he provided just enough smaller ones for all of the bouts and corsages, and I say just enough. If I had messed up just once I would have been in trouble :) Praise God for His provision, and I can say that now that I look back on it all. At first I was asking Him, Why God? Why? I guess the real question should have been why not? but like I said I was having my meltdown and nothing seemed to be going right! But little did I know he had a plan in that large box of flowers and it turned out beautiful!!! I know it was much to do with all the prayers that were going up to Him that day by everyone! Anyhow Praise God for providing, all GLORY must be given to Him because I know it was not about anything I did but about his provision! Well today I am off to help my mother in law with a baby shower for my sister in laws. Look forward to meeting all of these little babies soon! One should be here anytime at the first of the month! Blessings to all!

I promise

I promise that my life will slow down again someday and I will get to write on here more often. I was up just a little earlier than normal today as I am preparing to spend my day designing flowers for a wedding that is tomorrow. Ahhh...what a catastrophe we had with the flowers but God is great and provide, hopefully something even better. As long as they get here when they said they would and they are calla lilies I will be happy! Anyhow a good friend of mine is getting married tomorrow, it seems so weird because when I first met her she was just a young girl, well she is still just a young girl to me but she is making that leap of faith into marriage. I pray for them and wish much blessing on their union tomorrow! Congrats Jenna and Jonathan...okay I'm going to cry just sitting here thinking of it...I'm such a sap! Well I better go get my daughter up from her slumber and get our day rolling, hopefully in the right direction! :) Kaihtlyn is going to be excited today she gets to spend the whole day with Nana! What a treat for her, she LOVES her Nana! Have a great and blessed weekend all!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Okay so it has been a crazy crazy busy week and I only have a couple of minutes here so I am going to say Hi to all and hope you had a very special Valentine's Day. My sweetie and I are going to celebrate tonight without our daughter! I actually get a date night with my honey! I'm so excited! I will post later but until then here are a couple really cute pictures we took last night!

Valentine's Day Kisses with Momma

What a sweet heart!

A sweet smoothie treat from Sonic!

a time to tear and a time to mend

I kind of have two small thoughts on this part of the passage. A time to tear and a time to mend reminds me of clothing and once they are so worn you can no longer mend then then you tear them up and make rags out of them or if they can be fixed you sew or mend them back together. You may then get many more years of use out of them after mending them.
Here is my second thought, its a little deeper and I'm going to relate this passage back to relationships. In regards to a time to tear in a relationship I think of friendships or relationships growing apart maybe its due to distance between two people or maybe its due to other reasons. There are many things that could cause two people to grow apart from one another, but I believe as a friend the second part of this verse should be utilized to its fullest I believe as a follower of Christ it is my responsibility to mend relationships and try my hardest to make them the best that I can. Sometimes it is possible to mend those relationships and sometimes not. In Proverbs 27:6 its says,"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." No I dont believe that it means we can just be harsh to our friends but I think it does go along well with the old saying that sometimes honesty can hurt. Meaning that if we truely are friends that I can be open to what they are saying to me and being willing to hear what may be hurtful although it may be true and having an open mind and heart to change in a particular area if need be. Our enemies are those who may claim to be friends but are just willing to tell us what we want to hear when it may not be completely honest or true. I believe the best kind of relationships I can have are those that are open and honest. I appreciate my friends and relationships when someone is willing to talk to me about anything even if it does hurt or sting a little at first. For me the best kind of relationship is when someone is up front with me about a situation and will not dance around the issue. Lets hash out a problem and let there be change where need be and move on. I guess I'm just that kind of gal. Okay so thats my thoughts of how I can relate a time to tear and a time to mend back to relation issues. Remember these are just my thoughts and how they are processed. I'm always open to how God may change and form who I am to be more like Jesus! What an awesome God, I am blessed to call my Savior!

Muy Bien

Okay so today is a much better day! Just in higher spirits, maybe its because I have had the caffeine I was lacking yesterday or maybe its just because I decided to have a better attitude! :) Its definately not because the weather is better outside. I mean what in the world....the whole idea about global warming is a bunch of junk if you ask me. This is by far the coldest and most snow-filled winter I have seen in years where I live (and i have lived here my whole life). I bet those who love winter and snow are in heaven this year! This is like the 3rd or 4th time just this year we have had over 4 or 5 inches of snow! Yes its pretty on a day like today when the sun is shining down on it and its so bright outside you can barely see it, but I'm ready for summer! I miss the hot, humid, sunny days when we can get out and play and wear nothing but a tanktop, shorts and flip flops. Ahhh...can't wait!
So this morning as I was having my quite time I read in Proverbs. Proverbs 6 to be exact. :) Here are a few verses that made me think 6:2- 5 "if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbors hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." This just reminded me that when someone is willing to humble themselves and talk to me about a situation or something they have said, I should be willing to listen and open hearted to forgive them. It also reminds me to humble myself daily before God and be willing to listen to what he is telling me and have an open heart to what he is teaching me. I need to be willing to be humble in areas of my life both to God and to those around me.
The second part of Proverbs 6 that stood out to me was Proverbs 6:16-19 "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." Now I know I have read this passage about a million times, okay thats an exagerration but I have read it alot and for some reason today I just made the link between these items listed that God hates and the willingness to be humble as I had written about earlier in verses 2-5. Maybe its not a coincidence that God placed what he hates in relation to being humble in the same chapter. Lightbulb moment....I need to be humbled before God and others in these areas and search my heart for any wrongs I have made against God and others in this area.

I was going to make a post today on the next part of the verses, but i'm just kind of having a bummer of a day and I am kind of wallowing in it right now. My daughter has been sick all weekend with the stomach flu and has been a little fussier than normal and is wanting to be with me all of the time. I told my husband yesterday as we were watching a commercial for the dirtiest jobs TV show that being a stay at home mom with a child that has stomach flu is right up there with some of the dirtiest jobs. On saturday night I thought I was going to loose it; as I was covered in vomit and my daughters bedroom floor was covered as well. Praise the Lord for hardwood floors! Yeah no grand thoughts today just an opportunity for me to vent a little bit about what I dont like. I dont like my daughter being sick and I dont like the stomach flu, I think it is one of the worst kinds of sicknesses next to the plain old flu. That of which I hear is going around and spreading rapidly. I pray that we dont catch it...ugh...oh and I dont like winter. I can't wait for winter to be over and for all of the nasty stuff to go away! About 2 more months of this stuff...I'm counting down the days for warm weather. Hope this finds you in better spirits than I am in today!
Oh on a high note one of my best friends gave birth this weekend to a beautiful baby girl her name is Kieran Milan. Sooo sweet and so tiny... I guess I forgot how small they really are when they are first born. Anyhow I spent a good hour yesterday just holding her, it was great!

a time to keep and a time to throw away

When I think of this part of the passage I think of the new year or right after Christmas, or maybe the turn of a season. When we have to get rid of the old and make room for the new. I usually do this about twice a year when the seasons change. I go through all my clothes and get the stuff out for the upcoming season and usually get rid of what I didn't wear the season before. I then take what I didn't want anymore and if its still in good condition I give it to family and friends or I donate it, the rest usually finds its way to the trash. I usually take my donations to the Rescue Mission, where I know that all of the stuff can be put to good use, since I don't need it anymore. It seems like with a baby now the job of going through clothing and toys is going to be quite the chore. So far I have enjoyed going through and cleaning out drawers and making them organized to make the best use of the space we do have for her.
This passage is an encouragement to me to continue to stay organized and make sure that everything that I own has a place. God has blessed me beyond measure with a home and all that I have in it and this reminds me to take care of my belongings and to keep them organized.

Jayhawks

Okay...so last night was not a good evening for me. My Jayhawks lost to one of our biggest rivals ksu. I got so upset I could not watch the whole second half of the game. I didn't feel the Jayhawks were playing to their fullest potential and consequently lost us the game. Ugh...I guess there is always next time but I hated to see that loss. We will see them again on March 1st. I hope to see better results next time around! Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Go KU!

a time to search and a time to give up

Have you ever lost something and frantically looked all over for it? Or have you ever lost something and it just made you sick to your stomach when you knew it had been lost? Have you ever searched for the Lord to the extent that you have when you lost something of great value to you? I can say yes yes and yes! I remember the day I thought I had erased all 400+ photos from our honeymoon to Hawaii. I was sick, I wanted to curl up and die, I wanted to just beat my head against a wall. Praise God that feeling went away after I found out my brother in law could possibly restore all of the pictures, and he did! Praise God or I would probably be sick to my stomach about it still today; actually just thinking about it makes my tummy turn.

I remember the time I thought I had misplaced $100. I searched high and low and everywhere in between until I found it. Thankfully it was found. There have been times I have lost something that I never did find and had to give up. Giving up is not usually an easy task for me. Once I set my heart on finding something or doing something, there is usually no turning back and no letting go. Which can sometimes be helpful but can also be hurtful in certain circumstances.

My time that I search for the Lord with all my heart and all of my being was when I was faced with the decision to forgive my mother for all the pain she had inflicted on me as a child. I know now that God had a plan and placed me in the family that he did for a reason. I look back now and know that forgiving her and breaking that cycle of bitterness was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and it built perserverance and hope in my life and most of all strengthened my relationship with Christ. One of the verses that helped me get through such a difficult time in life was

Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into out hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

I had hope that through the Holy Spirit I would be anew work through the Lord and He would change my heart. Praise the Lord for working in me and through me to change my heart and my thought process. Thank you Lord for your forgiveness upon us and your love for us regardless of our faults. Thank you for removing the bitterness that had built up in my heart for so long. I love you Lord!

Psalm 103:12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

a time to embrace and time to refrain

This verse reminds me that there are times in life that I need to take to heart something that maybe happening or said and sometimes I just need to step away and not worry about it. That is a huge reminder to me. I have a tendancy to easily be swept up into something, may it be conversation or doing things that I dont have time for. I also have the tendancy to let things affect me that I shouldn't let hurt me or occupy my time, maybe thats the emotional woman coming into play again. :) Right now God is really teaching me what is important in life and what needs to be taken to heart and what doesn't. I have a wonderful husband to turn to for guidance in this area and I am ever so thankful to God for placing him in my life. What an awesome God he is to bless me in so many ways when I dont deserve it.

Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

I just need to remind myself that God has complete control over every situation and I need to surrender to him and trust him to take care of every aspect.

I will leave you with a picture of something worthy of my time.

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them

hmmm...when i think of this part of the verse I think of church planting. When a church decides to break up and move to different areas to bring others into the church body and to lead them to Christ. The Church people breaking off from the main church to start a new one are like the stones being scattered and the people coming into the new church are the gathered stones. I guess this could be applicable for Missionaries too as they go out into the mission field to gather stones and bring those people to Christ. "Dear Lord as I serve you where I am at in life may I be a light to those around me and may I be a witness and a glimpse of your love to them."
What a mighty God I serve, who so loved me that he gave his only son to die for a wretch like me.

a time to mourn and a time to dance

Today I am mourning and dancing. On one hand I mourn because my daughter is sick and is running a fever, Please Lord get us through this time. But my wonderful husband had such a wonderful surprise for me this morning when I woke up. He was having a new refrigerator delivered! Ahhh...what a blessing! Our old one, you had to latch shut to keep it sealed, this one is so pretty and white and makes me feel like a kitchen princess! :)
So my thoughts don't get too deep today, I'm tired and my baby is running a fever, I feel so bad for her! okay enough of my self pity party.
Anyhow its one of my best friends birthday today, and tonight we are going to celebrate by going to dinner in a neighboring city (not to mention we are going to my favorite resturant). This year has been quite the adventure for her. In March she will be getting married! (congrats!) I am so blessed to have such a great friend like her! Happy Birthday Crystal! Love you sister!

Here are a few pictures!! Awwl! I have such a wonderful husband!

The old!

The new!! Isn't she pretty?


And the simple pleasures in life arent they great?

A time to weep and a time to laugh

They say women are emotional beings and emotional I am. That's what comes to mind when I read that verse.....emotion, emotion, emotion! Some people cringe at the thought of emotions, but they deny themselves the chance to embrace the gift God gives us through our emotions. Yes I believe emotions can become a center focus for some people and over take who they really are, but for the most part I believe God gave us emotions to express our deepest feelings. There is a wide range of emotions between weeping and laughing and I know at times I have hit many of them in a short period of time. Which in turn lead to feeling emotionally drained. I think God desires for us to be emotionally healthy just as he desires good spritual and physical health. I also believe when our physical and spiritual health are not good they in turn will effect our emotional health and vise-versa. Isn't amazing how complex our systems are and how well God made each of us? He amazes me each day with his creations. Giving all Glory and Honor unto HIM!

A time to tear down and a time to build

What do you do with something old, you tear it down and build something new! Each year is a chance to build something new in your life. Being able to break this verse up and meditate daily on what he is saying is helping me to better understand not only this verse but what God has for us daily.

My other thought on this verse is that a time to build is a chance to build one another up and to make a special effort each day to build relationships with others. This verse reminds me that I have a great opportunity to encourage others and to build upon the relationships that I have with them. I am so very blessed by not only my husband, my daughter, and extended family but God has placed some amazing friends in my life that have really replicated and been an example to me of building one another up. So my question to you is...Which comes more natural to build someone up or to tear them down? I know for me somedays its just easier to tear down but this verse has encouraged me to be a builder even in times when it is tough and maybe I don't feel like that person deserves to be built up. God has shown me mercy 77 x7 times. Now will I show that mercy 77x7 times? What a wonderful God we have that spares us destruction when we deserve it. He loves all of us enough to be merciful, loving and caring.

healing

When I think of this part of the verse I think about those who have lost a loved one from a shooting or a bad circumstance. I have never been in a situation like that and hope to never be.

I apply this verse by focusing on the healing part. There are many people who will hurt you in life and I have had those people in my life and still do but I have made the decision to not focus on that hurt but the healing that Christ brings through his love for me. It's amazing the healing that Christ can bring during a time of difficulty. When I think of the Lord in this way I always think of "Jehovah Shalom" which means the God of peace. There have been many times in my life I have been anxious or uncertain about a circumstance and the Lord has always prevailed and shown himself faithful to provide peace. As a child, facing the trials that I did with my family, I know Christ's hand was always over me providing a shield of protection and peace. It is my honor to praise and give glory to the Lord of my life and the Lord of peace.

A time to plant and a time to uproot. When I think of this verse I think of a couple of things. I think of a person with crops and harvesting season. Then I think of a time when God asks us to do something and asks us to move out of our comfort zones and plant ourselves in another situation, which may not always be as comfortable or as widely accepted. Our family has recently been undergoing some changes and God is directing us in another direction than we were going. For many years we attended the same church fellowship and have felt recently that God was directing us else where. We are still in the transition stage and trying to figure out where God has us and is directing us. It is amazing what you learn from His word and His direction during times like these. And I think that's another reason God has been revealing this passage to me lately. To give me confirmation that he is working and we are in a particular season of life where we are being uprooted from what seemed comfortable and now we are in the waiting and patient stage to see where he is directing. Oh how great is he who will direct my path and will guide my husband and our family to a new season in life.
On to a lighter note it is my DMIL's birthday today and we have been able to spend the greater portion of the day with her, what a blessing it is to have family so close and be able to spend time with them in fellowship! Happy Birthday Christy! I Love you!

A season

Since the beginning of the year this verse has spoken to me and has been brought to mind several times so far in 2008.
Ecclesiates 3:1-11

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Each single verse in this passage can mean so much and as I remember it and meditate on it daily it brings a new perspective each time.

A time to be born and a time to die: what a gift God gives us with life! This verse brings on a whole new meaning after you have a child. I found it incrediable how much I could love someone that I had only known for such a short amount of time. But that is only a fraction of the love God has for us. It is hard to fathom. He give us life and he takes it away. I lost my Grandma this last spring. She was probably the closest person to me that I have ever lost but God has given me an abundance of peace in dealing with my lose. How great is He to love me enough to send his only Son to die for me and for you; as we are lost in sin and he washes that away when we accept His awesome gift of salvation.

Ahhh...just a few thoughts I have pondered today and lately! How great is our God!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Go KU!

Kansas Jayhawks 24

Virginia Tech 21

Jayhawk Nation! Go Hawks!

Happy New Year

Welcoming the new year! I can't believe its 2008 already! 2007 was a year of growth for me. In 2007 we didn't have any major events and life slowed down a little bit, considering the three previous years had been pretty eventful with a college graduation, engagement, wedding, honeymoon, pregnancy and baby. As I reflect on 07 I needed life to slow down a bit and I am really looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for 2008. I have so much to be Thankful for: a loving and supportive husband, a beautiful daughter, good health, a warm home, and most of all a wonderful Savior!
" Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4